Wave of thefts from and of cars in Red Mill, Strawbridge in Virginia Beach

This image is believed by police to show a 2008 Ford Edge that was stolen from the 1200 block of Warner Hall Drive overnight on Thursday, Sept. 29. [Virginia Beach Police Department/Courtesy]

THE INDEPENDENT NEWS

COURTHOUSE – Police on Thursday took reports for five stolen cars and 23 larcenies from automobiles — all from the Red Mill and Strawbridge areas of the city.

The rash of crimes comes after a great deal of focus upon crimes involving automobiles this year, including in the First Precinct. The department initiated a public awareness campaign, “Beep It To Keep It,” after reports showed that unlocked vehicles were most often targeted by thieves.

In an email, Master Police Officer Tonya Pierce, a department spokesperson, urged people to lock their cars and remove valuables from them, including car keys.

Suspects were seen at about 1:50 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 29, in the 2200 block of Spring Run Court checking for unlocked car doors, according to police. There were five suspects in all, and they may have been using a stolen vehicle shown in the photo accompanying this story.

Police ask members of the public to call them if any of the following vehicles are seen: